Infrastructural Revamp Needed For Koh Samui

[george]

Infrastructural revamp needed for Koh Samui flood prevention

SURAT THANI: -- Attributing the recent flood problems on Koh Samui island to badly-designed infrastructure, Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana ordered a new city plan to protect the resort from further inundation.

Air Chief Marshal Kongsak and Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department deputy director-general Pongpow Ketthong on Tuesday viewed Koh Samui's flood situation after roads and other infrastructure were damaged by floods.

Koh Samui's floods were caused by deforestation and a bad city plan. Construction blocked water drainage, as in Prachaub Kirikhan where homes and other property were badly damaged by flash floods two weeks

ago.

"Koh Samui must control housing development projects and be sure that construction does not affect the water drainage system," he said.

ACM Kongsak also recommended growing vetiver grass or 'Ya Faeg' for flood prevention.

Surat Thani Governor Vijit Vichaisarn agreed, stating that the province has set an overall budget of Bt1 billion for a new logistics plan and drainage system, and to launch a royally-initiated project to grow vetiver grass.

--TNA 2005-11-30